How to Connect

Use this guide to join your Ark Survival Evolved dedicated server by direct IP or the server browser. It also fixes the common “server not visible” issue.

Location

• Game Servers → Your Game Server Name → Details

Start the server

1. Start the server and wait until the status shows Online.

Direct connection (IP/console)

• On the Details tab you’ll find the addresses used for direct connections:
  • Address → Local: connect directly inside your local network.
  • Address → Global: connect directly from the internet.

Copy the address

• Click the copy button next to Local or Global to copy the address.

Connect in game

1. Launch Ark, press the ` key to open the game console.
2. Type open <address> and press Enter. Example:

When to use Local vs Global

• Use Local when connecting from the same PC or the same home network. No port forwarding is required and firewall rules are usually not needed for the internal path.
• Use Global for anyone connecting from outside your home network. This requires router port forwarding and matching firewall allow rules.

Lobby connection (server browser)

1. On the Details tab, press the copy button for the Title.

2. In Ark, click Join Game from the main menu.

3. Select Unofficial and paste the title into the search box. If you changed the name recently, see the Server Title settings.

4. If the server does not appear, adjust filters and refresh:
   • Toggle PC Only Online Multiplayer.
   • Ensure Show Player Servers is enabled.
   • If your server has a password, enable Show Password Protected Servers. If it does not, leave this unchecked. Manage passwords here: Passwords

5. Click your server in the list and press Join.

Troubleshooting: server not visible or cannot join

• Not visible in lobby: verify filters, click Refresh, and try toggling the filter buttons once to force a refresh.
• Version mismatch: confirm the server build matches the game build. For example, game 72.11 requires a 72.xx server release.
• Firewall rules: if direct connection fails from outside your network, allow the required ports using the HaruHost firewall helper.
• Port forwarding: for internet players, forward the ports on your router. You can enable UPnP and use the HaruHost port forwarding helper to set them automatically. This is not required when using the Local address or when connecting through the lobby on the same network.
• Ports to forward: use the values under Details → Ports In Use. Forward both TCP and UDP entries shown there.

FAQs and search tips

• How do I connect to an Ark dedicated server by IP?
  • Copy the Local or Global address from Details, open the console in game with the key, and runopen
    `.
• How do I join an Ark Survival Evolved server on my LAN?
  • Use the Local address. No router port forwarding is needed on the same network.
• Why is my Ark server not visible in the server browser?
  • Confirm the server is Online, check filters, then Refresh. Make sure Show Player Servers is enabled and set the PC Only Online Multiplayer toggle as needed.
• Do I need port forwarding to let friends join?
  • Yes. Use the Global address only after forwarding the ports listed in Details → Ports In Use and allowing them in your firewall.
• What is the command to connect directly to a server?
  • open <ip:port> in the in game console.
• I changed my server name and cannot find it by search.
  • Save the new title in Auto Config, restart the server, and search again on Unofficial. See Server Title